Exam Stress and Adolescent Depression: Rachel’s Journey

At just seventeen, Rachel had always been a high‑achieving student, setting exceptionally high standards for herself. Yet, in the six months before her public examinations, she became increasingly overwhelmed by the fear of not reaching her goals. Gradually, her emotional wellbeing declined. As the academic pressure intensified, she began to experience insomnia, loss of appetite, and a significant drop in concentration and study efficiency.

When her family discovered self‑inflicted injuries on her arms, they sought urgent psychiatric support. Rachel was diagnosed with depression triggered by exam stress—a condition that is not uncommon among adolescents facing high‑stakes examinations. With a carefully tailored treatment plan that combined medication and psychotherapy, she slowly regained emotional balance and rebuilt a healthier mindset.

As her mental health improved, Rachel’s motivation and academic performance also recovered. Following her recovery, Rachel achieved excellent academic results in the public examinations and successfully entered her dream university, proving that with the right support, students can thrive both emotionally and academically.

Interview with Dr Ho Nga Lei Lily, Specialist in Psychiatry

Published on Sing Tao Daily  "Exam Stress and Adolescent Depression: Rachel’s Journey"

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